The rabbit-ravaged Cromwell Cemetery will soon have some fencing to stop the pests from digging up the site, thanks to the efforts of a local community group.

Friends of Cromwell Cemetery applied for funding for rabbit-proof fencing, but still need approval from the Central Otago District Council to erect it.

Group spokesperson Linda Gordon said there were a lot of things to deal with at the moment, but they had made a start about cleaning up the deteriorating site.

The cemetery was established in 1888 and includes Chinese miners from the Otago gold rush in the 1860s.

In May 2022 the ‘unknown gold miner, whose remains were discovered near Cromwell 40 years ago, was also reburied in the cemetery more than 140 years after he died.

Plans are underway to beautify the Cromwell Cemetery, with a rabbit proof fence, irrigation and plantings. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Friends of Cromwell first spoke up about their concerns with the cemetery in the public forum of the Cromwell Community Board in September last year.

Their aim was to honour and respect those passed by the cemetery being restored to a well maintained and cared for site.

Plans were underway for planting and irrigation and the group has been working with the Otago Heritage Goldfields Trust in understanding the history contained within the cemetery as well.

The group’s recent concern was the current development in the industrial area which has seen the removal of Cerise orchard to expand the footprint, leaving the cemetery vulnerable and exposed on three sides. 

The district council was also about to start working on expanding the Alexandra Cemetery, which opened in 1865.

The road through the cemetery towards the Fulton Hogan boundary would be extended, and vegetation screening planted to create a “well established, private and peaceful environment,”a statement from the council said.

The cemetery blocks in use were expected to reach full capacity within the next few years, so council was progressing with the development of the next block.

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